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MERCHANTS  MILLPOND 
MASTER  PLAN 


Prepared  By: 

The  State  of  North  Carolina 
Department  of  Natural  Resources  and 

Community  Development 
Division  of  Parks  and  Recreation 
Raleigh,  North  Carolina 

February  20,  1978 


FOREWORD 

The  primary  objective  in  preparing  a  master  plan  document 
is  to  set  forth  a  long-range  plan  and  program  for  a  park's 
development.  The  planning  process  utilized  for  Merchants  Mill- 
pond  State  Park  strives  to  achieve  a  balance  of  recreational  and 
natural  elements,  taking  into  consideration  resource-carrying 
capacity  and  the  need  for  park  protection.  The  plan  is  designed 
for  implementation  in  phases,  allowing  for  uninterrupted  park  use 
and  periodic  reevaluation  of  the  plan.  Thus,  the  plan  is  flexible  in- 
asmuch as  development  need  not  reach  its  final  phase  if  follow- 
up  analysis  indicates  further  expansion  is  undesirable.  The  timing 
of  development  is  contingent  upon  the  availability  of  funds  and 
the  establishment  of  biennial  statewide  priorities. 

This  master  plan  study  has  been  developed  in  depth,  and 
reflects  the  officially  adopted  principles  governing  the  establish- 
ment, extension,  and  development  of  the  State  Park  System.  Any 
decisions  which  affect  the  welfare  of  Merchants  Millpond  State 
Park  must  reflect  the  spirit  of  these  principles. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


Introduction 

Merchants  Millpond   1 

Merchants  Millpond  History    1 

Existing  Uses  5 

Recreation  in  Region 'R'   7 

Purpose  of  the  State  Park  System   8 


Resource  Analysis 

Physiography    11 

Geology  11 

Groundwater  13 

Hydrology  13 

Climate  13 

Soils  and  Slopes    15 

Vegetation  Communities   17 


Fauna   19 

Development  Limitations   21 

Master  Plan 

Millpond  Protection  &  Recreation  23 

Northside  Recreation  Activities  25 

Southside  Primitive  Camp  30 

Lassiter  Swamp    31 

Projected  Park  Uses    31 

Interim  Use  Facilities   31 

Services  to  Park  Users    32 

Environmental  Management    33 

Park  Development  Phasing  34 

Acquisition  Phasing    37 

Personnel  Staffing  38 

Park  Utilities 38 

Bibliography   40 


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MERCHANTS  MILLPOND 

Merchants  Millpond  is  located  in  the  Coastal  Plain  region  of 
the  State.  The  overall  relief  of  the  area  is  undulating  to  gently  roll- 
ing with  relatively  flat  ridges  and  stream  beds,  and  gentle  to 
rough  sloping  valley  walls.  Many  of  the  stream  beds  are  broad 
and  poorly  drained,  often  forming  swamps.  The  Millpond  area  is 
characteristic  of  this  situation.  Bennetts  Creek  is  a  slow-moving, 
dark-water  coastal  plain  stream  which  flows  through  a  narrow 
baldcypress  swamp  (Lassiters  Swamp)  into  an  old  second- 
growth  cypress-gum  swamp,  and  terminates  in  a  large,  placid 
millpond  dotted  with  numerous  gum  and  cypress  trees.  The 
Swamp  and  Millpond  are  defined  by  land  which  rises  abruptly 
from  the  water's  edge  to  heights  varying  from  20  to  30  feet. 
Mature  hardwood  and  mixed  pine  forest  the  ridge  line  for  most  of 
the  perimeter  of  the  swamp-pond  complex. 

The  Millpond  is  located  near  the  geographic  center  of  Gates 
County  in  northeastern  North  Carolina  between  Sunbury  and 
Eason's  Crossroad  (intersection  of  N.C.  158  and  S.R.  1400)  along 
N.C.  158.  It  lies  approximately  30  miles  east  of  Murfreesboro, 
north  of  Edenton,  west  of  Elizabeth  City,  and  northeast  of 
Ahoskie. 

MERCHANTS  MILLPOND  HISTORY 

The  Gates  County  territory  was  first  settled  about  1660.  Ac- 
cording to  tradition,  the  first  settlement  was  established  near 
Corapeake  (then  Oropeake,  an  Indian  name).  The  Reverend 
George  Fox,  a  Quaker  clergyman,  made  the  first  recorded  visit  to 
the  area  in  1672,  camping  at  Bennetts  Creek  on  September  20. 
Richard  Bennett,  governor  of  Virginia  from  1652-1655,  also  ex- 
plored the  area.  At  that  time  there  was  only  one  house  at  Bon- 
ner's Creek  (now  Bennetts)  on  the  present  site  of  Gatesville. 

Prior  to  1758,  a  road  ran  through  Corapeake  and  what  is 
now  Sunbury,  but  the  postal  and  stage  routes  went  farther  west 
through  Summerton,  Virginia.  At  that  time,  a  Mr.  Granby,  one  of 
the  wealthiest  men  in  the  county,  lived  on  the  present  site  of  Sun- 
bury. 


Just  south  of  Granby's  was  Hunters  Millpond,  built  prior  to 
1720,  at  the  junction  of  Raynor  Swamp  and  Harrell  Swamp.  This 
site  was  at  the  head  of  Bennetts  Creek  upstream  from  Mer- 
chants Millpond,  which  was  to  be  constructed  later.  In  1.922,  the 
dam  for  Hunters  Millpond  was  destroyed  as  the  result  of  the  con- 
struction of  Highway  32. 

Kincken  Norfleet  constructed  Merchants  Millpond  in  1811; 
consequently,  it  was  first  called  Norfleets  Millpond.  In  1812,  the 
first  corn  was  ground  at  the  new  grist  mill.  A  wheat  mill  and  saw- 
mill were  also  built  in  that  year. 

Norfleet  sold  the  mill  to  Daniel  and  H.  C.  Williams  in  1856. 
Rufus  Williams  became  a  partner  and  the  name  became  Williams 
Millpond.  Later,  the  mill  was  sold  to  LeRoy  Smith,  and  operated 
by  N.  J.  Riddick. 

By  the  turn  of  the  century,  the  mill  was  Gates  County's 
largest  and  became  the  county's  chief  trade  center.  A  newly  es- 
tablished mercantile  business  enabled  local  farmers  to  shop 
while  their  whole  grain  corn  and  wheat  were  transformed  into 
meal  and  flour.  Thus,  the  Millpond  derived  the  name  "Mer- 
chants." Other  activities  included  picnicking  on  the  Millpond's 
banks,  courting,  fishing,  gossiping,  exchanging  tall  tales,  and 
watching  the  bustling  activity  of  the  Millpond. 

About  1908,  the  mill  house  was  in  full  operation  with  two 
gristmills  busy  most  of  the  time.  Ab  Hayes  was  reportedly  the 
operator  at  the  time.  Under  a  shelter,  branching  from  the  mill 
house,  was  a  sawmill.  The  wheat  mill  building  was  still  standing 
nearby,  but  was  no  longer  in  operation.  Supposedly,  apple 
brandy  was  made  in  a  nearby  still  and  served  in  the  rear  of  the 
store. 


The  mill  house  was  built  over  the  water  on  cement  pilings.  Its 
dimensions  were  about  25  feet  by  30  feet.  The  mill  house  was  a 
frame  building  of  wide  weathered  boards,  either  pine  or  cypress 
—  "an  A-roof  of  wooden  shingles  topped  the  bare  boards,  which 
were  punctuated  by  a  door  and  one  window  in  front,  one  window 
in  back,  a  window  on  one  side  wall,  and  two  windows  on  the  other 
side  wall.  Inside,  the  mill  house  was  unfinished  and  rustic,  with 
exposed  rafters,  beams,  and  uprights." 

Gates  underneath  the  building  were  raised,  letting  in  water 
to  run  the  mill.  In  front  of  the  gates,  logs  were  chained  together 
and  to  cypress  stumps,  preventing  floating  logs  from  going 
through  and  into  the  gates. 

Planks  adjoining  the  mill  house  formed  a  covered  bridge, 
accommodating  traffic  in  front  of  the  mill  house.  Along  the  bridge 
was  a  long  bench  for  customers  waiting  to  have  their  corn 
ground.  A  railing  bordered  the  bridge  to  keep  traffic  out  of  the 
mill-run.  Most  traffic  consisted  of  horse-and-mule  carts  bearing 
corn  for  the  gristmill.  There  were  not  many  cars  in  the  county  at 
the  time. 

Water  powered  the  saws  in  the  sawmill  and  the  millstones  in 
the  gristmill.  On  the  east  side  of  what  is  now  S.R.  1400,  a  dam 
retained  water  from  the  Millpond.  Flow  of  the  water,  going  into 
Bennetts  Creek  on  a  lower  level,  was  regulated  by  the  opening 
and  closing  of  seven  wooden  4  x  6-foot  gates.  The  water  spilled 
onto  the  mill  wheel  which  was  connected  to  the  axles  of  the  huge 
millstones,  causing  them  to  turn.  Little  grooves  tooled  into  the 
stones  mashed  and  pulverized  the  whole  grain  corn  into  meal. 

Usually,  payment  for  the  grinding  was  a  "toll,"  possibly  three 
quarts  of  corn  to  the  miller  out  of  a  bushel  of  the  grain  which  the 


farmer  transported  to  the  mill  to  be  ground.  The  miller  would  then 
grind  his  "toll"  into  meal  and  sell  this  meal  or  the  whole  corn  to  an 
out-of-county  market. 

Maintenance  of  the  mill  was  a  community  effort.  Everyone 
pitched  in  to  help  rebuild  or  repair  the  dam  when  an  occasional 
flash  flood  damaged  it.  In  the  spring  people  gathered,  using 
special  tools  to  help  chip  new  grooves  in  the  worn  millstones. 
These  annual  gatherings  always  included  a  big  fish  fry. 

About  1910,  Charles  Marmaduke  Lawrence  reportedly  ac- 
quired the  mill  and  Millpond.  Some  say  that  he  was  responsible 
for  establishing  the  store  at  the  mill.  About  the  same  time,  a  post 
office  called  "Merchants  Mill"  was  established  at  the  site,  but 
closed  in  1915.  Lawrence,  who  lived  in  Gatesville,  owned  the  mill 
house,  sawmill,  store,  and  pond,  he  also  owned  a  nearby  tenant 
house  occupied  by  a  family  named  Baker.  Lawrence  sold  the 
Millpond  to  H.  P.  Foxhall,  a  Virginian,  in  1944. 

The  mill  was  in  operation  until  shortly  before  World  War  II. 
During  Mr.  Lawrence's  ownership,  several  operators  were  em- 
ployed in  the  gristmill.  Among  these  were  Preston  Hobbs  and 
Gene  Lassiter,  probably  the  last  operator. 

In  1951,  the  Millpond  was  sold  to  B.  Howell  of  West  Virginia. 
Apparently,  both  Foxhall  and  Howell  had  a  development  scheme 
in  mind  for  the  site.  Fortunately,  neither  materialized. 

Over  a  decade  later,  Mr.  A.  B.  Coleman  of  Moyock,  North 
Carolina,  acquired  the  property.  In  June  of  1973,  he  and  mem- 
bers of  his  family  donated  the  Millpond  and  some  adjacent  land 
to  the  Division  of  Parks  and  Recreation,  making  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Park  possible.  In  December  of  that  year  the  Nature 
Conservancy  conveyed  the  title  to  925  acres  of  woodlands  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Millpond  to  the  State  of  North  Carolina. 


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EXISTING  USES 

The  Millpond  is  used  predominantly  by  fishermen  interested 
in  freshwater  game  fish  such  as  bass  and  bream.  Fishing  occurs 
from  boats  and  along  the  shore.  The  area  adjacent  to  the  dam  on 
S.R.  1400  has,  until  recently,  been  the  prime  boat  access  for  fish- 
ermen. Bank  fishing  also  occurs  immediately  below  the  dam. 
Parking  for  both  types  of  fishing  occupies  much  of  the  right-of- 
way  along  S.R.  1400  on  both  sides  of  the  bridge.  However,  a  new 
boat  launch  and  parking  have  been  developed  on  the  south  side 
of  the  Park. 

Fishery  management  for  the  Millpond  is  handled  by  the 
Wildlife  Resources  Commission.  They  are  responsible  for  stock- 
ing the  Millpond  for  game  species  and  for  manipulating  the  water 
level  to  reduce  the  eutrophication  problems  encountered  in  the 
summer.  The  Millpond  is  rich  in  nutrient  minerals,  producing  an 
abundance  of  aquatic  vegetation.  The  death  and  decomposition 
of  this  vegetation  result  in  a  low  oxygen  supply  and  a  reduced 
potential  for  game  fish  production. 

Most  of  the  nutrients  in  the  Millpond  come  from  fertilizer  ap- 
plied to  adjacent  fields.  The  Millpond/Swamp  community  serves 
as  the  drainage  basin  for  farms  that  border  Bennetts  Creek. 
Farms  dominate  N.C.  158  from  Eason's  Crossroads  to  Sunbury, 
and  S.R.  1404  from  S.R.  1400  to  Sunbury.  Most  of  the  field  crops 
consist  of  corn,  soybeans,  or  peanuts,  and  livestock  production 
consists  mainly  of  hog  farming. 

Other  land  uses  along  the  surrounding  roads  are  single- 
family  homesites,  small  grocery  or  convenience  stores,  the  Gates 
County  landfill,  and  scattered  timberland.  Single-family  homes, 
both  mobile  and  permanent  structures,  are  scattered  along  S.R. 
1400  and  S.R.  1404;  convenience  stores  are  located  at  Eason's 
Crossroads  and  in  Sunbury.  The  Gates  County  landfill  is  located 
on  N.C.  158  and  is  within  the  Lassiter  Swamp  drainage  area.  The 
effect  of  this  land  use  on  the  water  quality  is  undetermined.  Tim- 
ber harvesting  represents  another  revenue-producing  land  use. 
Pine,  gum,  and  cypress  are  the  traditional  species  harvested. 
Pine  from  upland  ridges,  and  gum  and  cypress  from  the  swamp 
have  been  cut  since  the  early  18th  Century.  Much  of  the  950  acres 


conveyed  to  the  Division  of  Parks  and  Recreation  from  the  Nature 
Conservancy  was  recently  clearcut.  This  land  currently  has  little 
recreation  potential.  Clearing,  burning,  and  reseeding  will  be  re- 
quired to  restore  the  forest.  In  its  present  state,  this  area  pro- 
vides a  fair  habitat  for  deer.  Before  its  donation  to  the  State,  the 
land  was  a  favorite  hunting  ground  for  local  residents. 

Recently,  a  portion  of  the  Swamp  approximating  100  acres 
was  selectively  cut  for  hardwood  species.  Fortunately,  the  large 
cypress  were  not  cut;  however,  most  of  the  residual  trees  are 
relatively  small  or  non-merchantable.  This  tract  represented 
some  of  the  finest  timber  available  in  the  Swamp,  although  an  ex- 
cellent stand  of  bald  cypress  and  gum  remains  in  adjacent 
swamp  property.  Approximately  30  to  40  bald  cypress  with  an 
average  diameter  of  five  feet  and  a  height  of  over  100  feet  are 
scattered  through  Lassiter  Swamp. 

Downstream  from  the  timber  cut,  several  beaver  dams  and  a 
lodge  complement  the  uniqueness  of  this  area.  Best  estimates 
suggest  that  the  first  dam  is  probably  several  years  old  (taken 
from  field  investigations  by  park  staff). 

The  transition  zone  between  the  Swamp  and  Millpond  repre- 
sents another  area  of  interest  —  a  second-growth  cypress  and 
water  gum  forest.  The  area  is  affectionately  called  the  "enchant- 
ed forest"  because  the  gum  trees  have  accumulated  large  burls 
and  have  assumed  distorted  positions.  The  quality  of  this  area 
would  offer  the  park  visitor  a  unique  visual  experience. 

The  rolling  terrain  of  the  upland  ridges  which  have  not  been 
cleared  recently  for  timber  or  fields  remains  hardwood  forest. 
This  type  of  forest  community  is  usually  located  at  the  edge  of 
ridges  facing  the  Millpond  on  both  the  north  and  south  sides. 
Numerous  trails  have  been  cut  through  these  areas;  they  have  no 
recognizable  beginning,  but  usually  terminate  at  the  Millpond. 
Many  of  these  trails  were  probably  old  farm  or  timber  roads;  the 
narrower  ones  are  probably  animal  paths. 

On  the  south  side  of  the  Millpond,  bordering  S.R.  1404,  a 
100-acre  tract  of  land  has  been  leased  by  a  private  owner  to  the 
North  Carolina  Division  of  Mental  Health  for  a  camp.  Much  of  the 
land  remains  in  mature  hardwood  forest  and  would  be  ideal  for 
the  proposed  wilderness  camps. 


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RECREATION  IN  REGION  'R' 

Merchants  Millpond  lies  in  the  recreationally  abundant 
Multi-County  Planning  Region  R,  a  coastal  plain  environment  in 
the  northeastern  corner  of  the  State.  Within  the  region,  the  North 
Carolina  Division  of  Parks  and  Recreation  operates  Pettigrew 
State  Park  at  Lake  Phelps,  and  proposes  development  of  two 
other  sites  —  Jockey's  Ridge  and  Dismal  Swamp.  The  National 
Park  Service  also  operates  three  sites  of  national  significance  in 
the  region:  Cape  Hatteras  National  Seashore,  Wright  Brothers 
Memorial,  and  Ft.  Raleigh  National  Historic  Site.  With  these  ex- 
isting and  proposed  sites,  the  North  Carolina  State  Comprehen- 
sive Outdoor  Recreation  Plan  projects  an  abundance  of  recrea- 
tional land  for  the  region.  However,  all  of  the  sites  previously 
mentioned  were  proposed  for  either  preservation  of  a  unique  en- 
vironment or  protection  of  a  historical  site. 

The  Millpond  is  designated  as  a  North  Carolina  State  Park 
(Bureau  of  Outdoor  Recreation  Class  III:  Natural  Environmental 
Areas)  because  of  its  significance  as  a  southern  swamp.  Such  an 
outstanding  example  is  not  presently  available  in  any  other  State 
Park  in  North  Carolina.  The  mature  bald  cypress  swamp,  the  old 
second-growth  cypress-gum  swamp,  and  the  placid  Millpond 
studded  with  heavily  buttressed  gum  and  cypress  trees  offer  un- 
limited potential  for  nature  study,  wildlife  protection,  and  recrea- 
tional activities  such  as  canoeing,  hiking,  fishing,  and  camping. 

Recreational  opportunities  within  a  40-mile  radius  of  the 
Millpond  are  primarly  limited  to  fishing,  boating,  and  hunting. 
Fourteen  Access  Areas  sponsored  by  the  Wildlife  Resources 
Commission  are  located  along  the  Chowan,  Pasquotank,  and 
Perquimans  Rivers,  and  on  Albemarle  Sound.  Approximately 
63,687  acres  of  Game  Lands  are  also  sponsored  by  the  Wildlife 
Resources  Commission  within  the  same  area.  Planning  Regions 
R  and  Q  include  over  270,000  acres  of  Game  Lands  available  to 
the  public. 


Over  90  percent  of  the  other  recreational  opportunities  in  the 
region  lie  outside  of  this  40-mile  radius,  and  are  associated  with 
the  waterfront  along  Currituck  Sound  and  Cape  Hatteras.  Aside 
from  one  Wildlife  Access  Area  on  the  Chowan  River,  there  are  no 
commercial  or  public  recreational  facilities  within  ten  miles  of  the 
Millpond.  If  the  radius  expands  to  30  miles,  only  two  commercial 
sites  with  a  total  of  20  family  campsites  are  available.  All  large 
commercial  family  camps  are  located  in  Currituck  County  or 
further  south  along  the  seashore,  a  minimum  of  50  miles  from  the 
Millpond. 

The  Millpond  area  is  easily  reached  via  U.S.  158  from  the 
east  and  west,  and  State  Highways  32  and  37  from  the  north  and 
south.  A  50-mile  radius  from  the  site  includes  Bertie,  Camden, 
Chowan,  Currituck,  Gates,  Hertford,  Northampton,  Pasquotank, 
Perquimans,  and  Washington  Counties.  Also  included  within  this 
radius  are  portions  of  Tyrrell,  Martin,  and  Halifax  Counties.  This 
area  encompasses  approximately  184,000  North  Carolinians  and 
includes  the  population  centers  of  Edenton,  Ahoskie,  Plymouth, 
Elizabeth  City,  Williamston,  and  Murfreesboro.  Within  a  75-mile 
radius  (approximately  1.5  hour's  driving  time)  the  cities  of  Wash- 
ington, Greenville,  Rocky  Mount,  Roanoke  Rapids,  Weldon,  and 
Tarboro  are  included.  This  adds  another  227,000  citizens,  or  a 
total  of  411,000,  or  about  eight  percent  of  the  State's  population 
within  easy  reach  of  the  Millpond. 

Gates  County  shares  its  northern  boundary  with  the  State  of 
Virginia,  placing  the  site  within  easy  driving  range  of  the  Virginia 
cities  of  Suffolk,  Newport  News,  Hampton,  Portsmouth,  and  Nor- 
folk. This  area  of  Virginia  has  received  the  largest  population  in- 
crease in  the  State  —  approximately  30  percent  over  the  national 
average.  However,  the  greatest  attraction  for  Virginians  in  North 
Carolina  will  still  be  the  seashore,  with  the  Dismal  Swamp  and 
Merchants  Millpond  receiving  limited  use  from  out-of-state 
visitors. 


PURPOSE  OF  THE  STATE  PARK  SYSTEM 

The  purpose  of  the  North  Carolina  State  Park  System  shall 
be  to  serve  the  people  of  North  Carolina  and  their  visitors  by: 

1.  Preserving  and  protecting  natural  areas  of  unique  or  ex- 
ceptional scenic  value  not  only  for  the  inspiration  and 
benefit  of  the  present  generation,  but,  also  for  genera- 
tions to  come. 

2.  Establishing  and  operating  state  parks  that  provide  rec- 
reational use  of  natural  resources  and  outdoor  recrea- 
tion in  natural  surroundings. 

3.  Portraying  and  interpreting  plant  and  animal  life, 
geology,  and  all  other  natural  features  and  processes  in- 
cluded in  the  various  state  parks. 

4.  Preserving,  protecting  and  portraying  scientific  sites  of 
statewide  importance. 

General  Principles 

To  assure  the  accomplishment  of  this  basic  purpose  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  best  standards,  state  park  sites  of  the  North 
Carolina  State  Park  System  shall  be  limited  to: 

1.  State  parks  which  evaluated  on  a  state-wide  basis, 
possess  unique  or  exceptional  scenic  value.  By  excep- 
tional scenic  value  is  meant  rare  natural  scenery,  which  is 
unlikely  to  be  preserved  for  the  benefit  and  enjoyment  of 
the  public  in  this  and  future  generations  if  the  property 
remains  in  private  ownership,  and  which  is  sufficiently 
distinctive  to  attract  and  interest  people  from  distinct 
parts  of  the  State  as  well  as  local  people. 

2.  State  parks  which  possess  distinctive  scenic  values  and 
excellent  opportunities  for  the  development  of  facilities 
for  active  recreational  use  of  natural  resources  and  ex- 
cellent opportunities  for  the  study  of  natural  history.  A 
state  park  site  (other  than  scientific  sites)  should  possess 
both  scenic  and  recreational  values.  In  some  sites  excep- 
tional scenic  values  may  be  sufficient  to  overcome  the 
lack  of  recreational  possibilities,  and  in  other  sites  un- 
usual recreational  possibilities  may  make  up  for  a  lack  of 


scenic  values.  By  unusual  recreational  values  is  meant 
features  such  as  topography,  trees,  vegetation,  streams, 
lakes  or  ocean  shore  offering  recreational  possibilities 
which  would  attract  and  interest  people  of  a  wide  sur- 
rounding area  and  would  not  be  available  to  the  public  if 
the  property  remained  in  private  ownership.  The  state 
parks  should  be  sufficient  in  number,  size,  development, 
operation  and  maintenance  to  adequately  serve  the 
needs  of  all  the  people  of  the  State  over  and  above  the 
facilities  which  are  or  should  be  provided  by  local  city, 
town  and  county  parks. 

Size  Requirement 

Every  state  park  site  shall  be  of  sufficient  size  to: 

1.  In  the  case  of  state  parks  possessing  unique  or  excep- 
tional scenic  value: 

(a)  completely  include  the  scenic  or  natural  features  the 
area  is  established  to  protect  and  preserve; 

(b)  provide  sufficient  buffer  area  to  protect  the  scenic  or 
natural  features  from  outside  influences  or  en- 
croachments; 

(c)  provide  a  reasonably  satisfactory  habitat  for  in- 
digenous wildlife;  and 

(d)  permit  the  development  of  recreational  and  public 
use  areas  if  these  can  be  provided  without  damage  to 
or  impairment  of  the  primary  purpose  of  preserving 
the  scenic  or  natural  features,  and  if  geographic  loca- 
tion or  public  need  justify  development  of  such  areas. 
Under  normal  conditions,  400  acres  of  land  well 
adapted  to  state  park  use  and  development  shall  be 
considered  as  a  minimum  size  for  each  state  park 
site  possessing  unique  or  exceptional  scenic  values. 

2.  In  the  case  of  state  parks  possessing  distinctive  scenic 
values  and  excellent  recreational  opportunities: 

(a)  completely  include  the  distinctive  scenic  features  of 
the  area  and,  if  possible,  one  or  more  complete  land- 
scape units; 


(b)  provide  sufficient  buffer  area  to  protect  the  distinctive 
scenic  features  from  outside  influences  or  en- 
croachments; 

(c)  amply  accommodate  the  recreational  and  public  use 
developments  required  to  meet  present  and  future 
public  needs  and  to  accommodate  these  develop- 
ments in  such  a  way  that  various  types  of  public  use 
will  not  interfere  with  each  other  or  destroy  the  effect 
of  a  natural  environment;  and 

(d)  provide  extensive  use  amid  unspoiled  and  relatively 
unmodified  natural  surroundings.  Under  normal  con- 
ditions, 400  acres  of  land  well  adapted  to  state  park 
use  and  development  shall  be  considered  as  a 
minimum  size  for  each  state  park  site. 

Development 

State  parks  possessing  unique  or  exceptional  scenic  value 
shall  receive  only  such  development  as  is  necessary  to  protect 
and  preserve  the  scenic  and  natural  values,  provide  public 
access,  protect  public  health  and  provide  adequate  interpretive 
programs,  and  the  development  of  such  other  recreational  and 
public  use  facilities  as  can  be  provided  to  meet  justifiable  public 
needs  without  damage  to  or  impairment  of  the  scenic  and  natural 
values.  All  developments  shall  be  planned  and  executed  so  as  to 
in  no  way  impair,  damage  or  detract  from  the  scenic  or  natural 
values  which  the  areas  were  established  to  preserve  and  protect. 

State  parks  possessing  distinctive  scenic  values  and  ex- 
cellent opportunities  for  the  development  of  facilities  for  active 
recreational  use  of  natural  resources  shall  receive  all  develop- 
ment required  to  protect  and  preserve  the  distinctive  scenic 
values,  provide  public  access,  protect  public  health,  provide  rec- 
reational use  of  natural  resources  and  provide  adequate  inter- 
pretive programs.  Development  for  public  use  of  natural 
resources  shall  primarily  include  facilities  for  such  outdoor  ac- 
tivities as  picnicking,  swimming,  boating,  fishing,  hiking,  nature 
study  and  camping,  and  for  vacation  use  when  desirable. 


PHYSIOGRAPHY 

Merchants  Millpond  lies  at  the  juncture  of  the  Tidewater  and 
Middle  Coastal  Plain  units  of  the  Coastal  Plain  region.  This  region 
is  composed  of  a  series  of  seven  terraces,  each  representing  a 
former  floor  level  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 

The  overall  relief  of  the  Tidewater  unit,  comprised  of  the  two 
lower  marine  terraces,  is  nearly  level  with  occasional  low  ridges 
and  gentle  slopes,  particularly  near  streams.  Elevations  seldom 
exceed  25  feet.  The  land  area  is  intersected  by  large  sounds  and 
wide  streams  which  are  near  sea  level.  Between  these  streams  are 
numerous  broad  areas  which  are  poorly  drained,  causing  large 
swamps  to  develop  in  some  areas. 

In  the  Middle  Coastal  Plain,  the  overall  relief  is  undulating  to 
gently  rolling.  This  unit  is  comprised  of  the  three  middle  terraces, 
and  the  highest  points  are  rarely  over  100  feet  above  sea  level. 
Streams  penetrate  most  parts  of  this  unit,  and  the  drainage 
ranges  from  somewhat  poor  to  good. 

In  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  Millpond,  elevations  range 
from  6.5  feet  (pond  level)  to  39  feet.  The  ridges  on  either  side  of 
the  Millpond  are  relatively  flat;  however,  the  terrain  becomes 
rough  and  broken  near  the  drainage  channel,  resembling  the 
Piedmont  in  character.  This  is  particularly  true  in  the  small  ravines 


which  drain  into  Bennetts  Creek.  Short,  steep  slopes  frequently 
occur  near  its  edge. 

GEOLOGY 

Sands  and  clays  of  Quaternary  age,  ranging  in  thickness 
from  15  to  40  feet,  mantle  the  entire  county.  This  material,  com- 
posed of  light-colored,  iron-stained  sands  and  clays,  occurs  at 
elevations  ranging  from  nearly  80  feet  to  the  northwestern  part  of 
the  county,  to  less  than  20  feet  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the 
county.  Several  former  beach  ridges  developed  in  this  material, 
particularly  northeast  of  Hobbsville  and  Sunbury. 

Underlying  the  superficial  material  are  clays,  sands,  and  shell 
beds  of  the  Yorktown  formation  of  late  Miocene  age.  In  some 
localities  the  Yorktown  formation  consists  of  a  blue-gray  marine 
clay,  with  underlying  sand  and  shell  beds.  This  formation,  over 
100  feet  thick  east  of  Gatesville,  generally  causes  poor  drainage 
over  much  of  the  county,  accounting  for  the  extensive  develop- 
ment of  swamps  within  the  area. 

Beneath  the  Yorktown  formation  are  deposits  of  Middle 
Miocene  age.  The  deposits  are  approximately  30  feet  thick  in  the 
vicinity  of  Gatesville,  and  composed  of  20  percent  brown 
phosphate. 


Upland  —  Ridge 


Millpond 


Upland 


Slopes 


Ridge 


.* 


Lowland  & 


JLL 


olw?®» 


STATE      PARK  gates    county,   n.c. 


12 


GROUNDWATER 

As  of  1959  all  domestic  supplies  of  water  in  the  area  were 
obtained  from  wells  (Gates  County  was  still  without  public  water 
systems).  Quaternary-age  surficial  and  near-surface  sand,  and 
shell  beds  of  the  Yorktown  formation  are  tapped  by  large  num- 
bers of  dug  and  driven  wells,  ranging  in  depth  from  10  to  60  feet. 
These  wells  yield  between  three  and  20  gallons  per  minute. 

Water  at  depths  greater  than  40  to  50  feet  throughout  the 
county  is  under  artesian  pressure  and  will  rise  to  within  five  to  30 
feet  of  the  surface  at  most  places.  Of  the  four  wells  in  the  im- 
mediate vicinity  of  the  Park  on  which  data  are  available,  two  are 
relatively  deep  (about  375  feet),  and  the  others  are  shallow  (eight 
and  42  feet). 

The  chemical  quality  of  the  water  is  adequate  for  most 
domestic  purposes.  Water  from  the  shallow  sand  is  soft  but  is  of- 
ten corrosive  and  may  contain  objectionable  quantities  of  iron. 
Water  from  the  deeper  aquifers  is  soft  sodium  bicarbonate  water. 
Paleocene  and  Cretaceous  aquifers  may  yield  water  excessively 
high  in  fluoride  (as  is  the  case  at  the  Millpond),  but  is  otherwise 
acceptable  in  quality. 

HYDROLOGY 

Merchants  Millpond  lies  within  a  portion  of  the  headwaters 
of  Bennetts  Creek,  a  tributary  of  the  Chowan  River.  The  Millpond 
has  a  watershed  of  about  79.6  square  miles.  The  entire  watershed 
possesses  a  water  quality  classification  of  Class  "C." 

At  present,  there  are  no  users  of  the  surface  waters  of  the 
Bennetts  Creek  sub-basin,  and  no  waste  discharge  points. 
However,  the  non-point  sources  of  pollution  in  the  watershed  are 
considered  to  have  a  significant  impact.  Agriculture  and  the  wood 
products  industry  comprise  the  bulk  of  these  non-point  sources. 
Runoff  from  agricultural  fields  carries  both  toxic  chemicals  and 
fertilizer  compounds.  Unnecessary  siltation,  from  poor  timber 
harvesting  and  farming  practices  (unwise  location  of  logging 
roads  and  plowing  across  contour),  greatly  accelerates  eutro- 
phication  of  the  Millpond. 

No  information  is  available  on  average  discharge,  low-flow, 
or  flood  levels  for  the  Bennetts  Creek  watershed.  Available  data 


are  insufficient  for  planning  purposes  because  of  infrequent  data 
monitoring.  These  available  data  indicate  water  temperatures 
ranging  from  54°  F  (12°  C)  to  86°  F  (30°  C).  Neither  is  likely  to  be 
an  extreme,  however.  Dissolved  oxygen  ranges  from  0.7  mg/1  to 
7.0  mg/1 ,  with  a  mean  of  4.6.  The  pH  ranges  from  4.4  to  7.2  with  a 
mean  of  6.1. 

The  estimated  flow  for  a  100-year  flood  is  6,500  cubic  feet 
per  second  (cfs). 

CLIMATE 

Based  on  data  from  Edenton,  Elizabeth  City,  and  Norfolk, 
Virginia,  Merchants  Millpond  has  a  moderate  climate,  with  mild 
winters  and  warm  summers.  The  proximity  of  large  bodies  of 
water  tends  to  have  a  moderating  effect  on  temperatures.  The 
average  annual  temperature  is  about  60°  F,  with  an  average  of 
44°  F  in  January  and  80°  F  in  July.  The  maximum  recorded  tem- 
perature is  107°  F  and  the  minimum  is  —2°  F.  In  the  autumn,  the 
first  frost  normally  occurs  around  October  20;  the  last  frost  in  the 
spring  normally  occurs  about  April  1. 

The  average  annual  rainfall  is  about  50  inches,  with  monthly 
averages  ranging  from  three  inches  in  October  to  seven  inches  in 
July.  The  maximum  precipitation  recorded  is  1 1 .4  inches  in  a  24- 
hour  period,  and  15.6  inches  in  a  one-month  period.  The  max- 
imum snowfall  is  17.7  inches  in  a  24-hour  period,  and  18.6  inches 
within  a  month. 

The  prevailing  wind  direction  is  southwest  for  most  of  the 
year;  however,  the  direction  is  northeasterly  for  the  months  of 
September  and  October  and  north-northeast  in  February. 
Because  the  area  is  south  of  the  average  path  of  storms 
originating  in  the  higher  latitudes  and  north  of  the  usual  track  of 
hurricanes  and  other  tropical  storms,  exceptionally  high  winds 
are  infrequent.  The  maximum  recorded  wind  speed  is  80  MPH. 

The  relative  humidity  varies  with  the  time  of  day;  on  an 
average  it  rises  to  80  percent  or  a  little  higher  in  the  early  morning 
hours,  dropping  off  steadily  after  sunrise  and  reaching  60  percent 
or  lower  by  mid-afternoon.  More  than  half  the  daylight  hours  are 
sunny  in  all  seasons;  in  summer  the  sun  shines,  on  the  average, 
about  two-thirds  of  the  daytime  period. 


13 


STATE      PARK  gatas    county,   n.c. 


14 


SOILS  &  SLOPES 

The  soils  in  the  Millpond  area  are  comprised  of  15  soil  series 
within  two  major  associations.  The  Johnston-Bibb  Association 
lies  around  the  Millpond  and  in  the  Swamp.  Here  the  soils  are 
generally  poorly  or  very  poorly  drained  with  black  to  dark  gray 
sandy  surfaces  and  gray,  stratified  sands,  sandy  loam  or  silt  sub- 
surface layers.  They  are  subject  to  flooding  for  undetermined 
periods.  The  Lenoir-Craven-Dunbar  Association  generally  lies  on 
the  ridges  and  slopes  on  either  side  of  the  Millpond  and  Swamp. 
These  soils  are  poorly  to  moderately  well  drained  soils  with  gray 
sandy  surfaces,  over  firm  to  very  firm  sandy  clay  or  clay  subsoils. 

Regarding  the  individual  soil  series,  updated  soils  informa- 
tion is  insufficient  for  a  substantial  portion  of  the  study  area. 
Thus,  part  of  the  soils  data  are  based  on  inadequate  information 
supplied  by  the  1929  "Soil  Survey  of  Gates  County,  North 
Carolina."  Updated  data  have  been  requested  and  should  be 
analyzed  before  implementation  of  a  plan.  However,  the  informa- 
tion currently  available  indicates  a  variety  of  soils,  with  limitations 
ranging  from  slight  to  severe.  Wetness  or  flooding  cause  most 
limitations;  however,  some  of  the  soils  have  problems  such  as 
slow  percolation,  high  shrink-swell  potential,  low  strength,  and 
seepage. 

Steeper  slopes  occur  primarily  at  the  edge  of  the  Millpond 
and  Swamp,  and  in  the  ravines  which  drain  into  them.  Though 
generally  short,  these  slopes  often  exceed  15  percent  with  a  ver- 
tical drop  of  10  to  30  feet,  depending  on  location.  The  most 
severe  slopes  occur  on  the  northeast  side  of  the  Millpond  and  the 
large  ravine  which  empties  into  it.  Thus,  several  small  bluffs 
overlook  both  the  Millpond  and  the  creek  flowing  at  the  bottom  of 
the  large  ravine. 


15 


vegetation  communities 

swamp  &  pond  ecotone/ lowland  hardwood 
I 1   mature  &  young  pine 

I.l.l;M.l...i1IJ 
^^   mixed  pine  &  hardwood 

upland  hardwood 

cutover  areas 

agricultural  areas 


STATE     PARK 


gates    county,    n.  c. 


16 


VEGETATION  COMMUNITIES 

Merchants  Millpond  represents  a  unique  mingling  of  a 
coastal  pond  and  southern  swamp  forest.  A  remarkable  collec- 
tion of  bald-cypress  (Taxodium  distichum)  and  water  gum  (Nyssa 
aquatica)  dominate  the  Millpond.  Remnants  of  older,  larger  trees 
are  in  evidence,  particularly  in  the  area  known  as  "the  cathedral." 
Massive  stumps,  scattered  throughout  the  Millpond  area,  provide 
habitat  for  many  terrestrial  and  semi-aquatic  species.  The  living 
swamp  tree  species  also  provide  hold-fast  points  for  epiphytic 
species  and  numerous  lichens.  Resurrection  fern  and  Spanish 
moss  shroud  most  of  the  trees. 

An  interesting  feature  of  the  Millpond  is  its  water.  Similar  in 
many  respects  to  the  "blackwater"  lakes  of  the  coastal  plain,  it  is 
pure,  but  by  no  means  sterile.  Its  surface  is  frequently  dotted  with 
the  leaves  of  spatterdock  (Nymphaea  luteum),  while  pondweed 
(Potamogeton  sp.),  is  one  of  the  best  duck-food  plants.  The 
smallest  known  flowering  plant,  dwarf  duckweed  (Wolffia  Colum- 
biana), is  present  in  limited  quantity,  while  duckweed  (Spirodela 
polyrrhiza  sp.)  completely  blankets  many  of  the  shallow  coves, 
creating  a  picturesque  setting.  Water  lily,  tapegrass  (Vallisneria 
sp.)  and  water  shield  (Brasenia  schreberi)  are  the  most  common 
species. 

Around  most  of  the  Millpond  edge,  swamp  forest  species 
rapidly  grade  into  less  hydric  species.  Within  these  moisture- 
related  species  gradients,  upland  species,  mesophytic  species, 
and  alluvial  species  are  commonly  found  within  a  30-foot  dis- 
tance. The  Millpond  edge  is  fairly  consistent  with  respect  to  com- 
munity composition.  Most  of  the  Millpond  edge  is  a  hydric-based 
ecotone.  Plant  invasion  proceeds  toward  the  usual  constricting 
and  filling  process  typical  of  most  shallow  lakes.  Cypress 
reproduction  is  greatest  along  silt  bars  and  delta  regions. 

The  upper  Millpond  or  swamp  area  is  shallower,  and  repre- 
sents a  finer  example  of  swamp  habitat  than  does  the  Millpond 
edge.  Peculiar  mats  of  "trembling  earth"  provide  an  atmosphere 
like  that  of  the  Okefenokee  Swamp  of  Florida.  One  of  the 
swamp's  most  interesting  dendrological  curiosities  is  an 
"enchanted  forest"  of  grotesque  water  gum.  The  trunks  and 


branches  are  often  swollen,  gouty,  and  frequently  festooned  with 
luxuriant  growths  of  resurrection  ferns.  Mistletoe  is  believed 
responsible  for  these  curious  distortions. 

Though  swamps  usually  lack  a  large  variety  of  herbaceous 
species,  other  characteristic  trees  generally  fill  the  gap.  At 
Merchants,  these  include  the  swamp  red  maple  (Acer  rubrum 
var.  carolinianum),  pumpkin  ash  (Fraxinus  profunda),  pop  ash 
(Fraxinus  caroliniana),  and  swamp  hickory  (Carya  aquatica). 
Sweet  gum  (Liquidambar  styraciflua)  is  common  on  the  swamp 
border.  Alluvial  and  bottomland  species  are  often  mixed  with  the 
swamp  species. 

Two  interesting  vines  typical  of  southern  swamps  are 
noteworthy  here.  Rattan  (Berchemia  scandens)  and  cross  vine 
(Anisostichus  capreolata)  add  character  to  the  forest. 

The  Bottomland  Hardwood  Community  occurs  in  most  of  the 
ravines,  the  lower  portions  of  the  slopes  near  the  Millpond  edge, 
and  in  some  areas  adjacent  to  the  swamp.  It  generally  makes  a 
rather  abrupt  transition  with  the  swamp  community.  Though 
generally  low-lying,  its  most  identifiable  characteristics  are  the 
absence  of  standing  water  throughout  most  of  the  year  and  the 
near-absence  of  cypress. 

On  the  upper  slopes  and  on  the  relatively  flat  ridges,  a  mix- 
ture of  mesophytic  and  upland  hardwoods  frequently  occurs. 
Most  notable  is  the  appearance  of  almost  pure  stands  of 
American  beech,  with  a  sparse  understory.  Such  stands  are  par- 
ticularly prevalent  on  the  bluffs  or  ridges  which  jut  toward  the 
northwest  side  of  the  Millpond. 

Also  on  the  relatively  level  upland  terrain  are  mixed  pine  and 
hardwood  communities.  These  stands  are  dominated  by  loblolly 
pine  and  light  tolerant  hardwood  species  characteristic  of  earlier 
successional  stages,  such  as  sweet  gum  and  yellow  poplar.  This 
community  type  is  particularly  prevalent  in  the  northwest  corner 
of  existing  park  property. 

A  number  of  pine  stands  in  various  stages  of  development 
appear  throughout  the  study  area.  They  vary  from  dense  young 
stands  (about  15  years  old)  with  little  or  no  understory,  to  mature 


17 


stands  with  dense  hardwood  understories.  Loblolly  pine 
predominates. 

Substantial  acreage  within  the  study  area  consists  of  cutover 
woodlands.  Although  several  smaller  areas  are  scattered,  only 
the  two  largest  cutover  stands  have  a  significant  bearing  on  the 
Park.  Unfortunately,  the  recent  timber  harvests  have  tremen- 
dously devalued  the  natural  character  of  pre-existing  stands.  The 
largest  cutover  area,  514  acres  on  the  north  side  of  the  Millpond, 
is  currently  owned  by  the  State.  Cut  about  six  years  ago,  it  was 
predominately  upland  hardwoods  and  mixed  pine  hardwood. 
Although  some  early-successional  species  have  benefited  from 
the  timber  harvesting,  most  of  the  older  successional  com- 
munities have  suffered  tremendously.  Presently,  most  of  this 
property  is  a  tangle  of  young  hardwood  sprouts  and  greenbriers 
with  substantial  slash  and  other  logging  debris. 

The  other  major  cutover  area  consists  of  148  acres  on  the 
south  side  of  Lassiter  Swamp,  within  proposed  Park  boundaries. 
Until  this  past  year,  this  area  was  the  major  portion  of  a  remnant 
virgin  cypress  swamp.  Fortunately,  the  largest  trees,  some  well 
over  100  feet  tall,  were  spared.  However,  a  great  deal  of  siash 
remains.  A  smaller  portion  of  the  remnant  virgin  cypress  swamp 
persists  on  the  north  side  of  the  swamp.  With  regard  to  the  Park, 
this  area  should  be  considered  one  of  critical  importance. 

Open  land,  primarily  active  pastures  and  agricultural  fields, 
dominates  the  perimeter  of  the  study  area.  Soybeans,  peanuts, 
and  corn  are  the  major  crops.  However,  one  cluster  of  fields  com- 
prises a  major  inholding  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Millpond.  These 
latter  fields,  along  with  the  two  fields  immediately  south  of  the 
dam,  are  essential  to  the  protection  and  operation  of  the  Park.  All 
the  other  agricultural  and  pasture  lands  are  marginally  important. 
Virtually  all  are  in  private  ownership,  except  for  those  in  proximity 
to  the  dam. 


18 


FAUNA 

Merchants  Millpond  excels  as  a  wildlife  sanctuary.  Wintering 
waterfowl  are  abundant.  Woodpeckers  and  an  interesting  variety 
of  songbirds,  including  the  beautiful  prothonotary  warbler,  nest 
within  its  boundaries.  Other  songbirds  include  the  wood  thrush, 
mockingbird,  tufted  titmouse  and  swainson's  warbler.  The  os- 
prey,  a  magnificent  raptor  feared  to  be  approaching  endangered 
status,  will  nest  regularly  if  afforded  protection  from  hunters. 
Perhaps  greatest  in  number  is  the  green  heron,  although  other 
water-loving  species,  such  as  the  great  blue  heron,  snowy  egret, 
black  and  wood  ducks,  and  hooded  merganser,  are  well 
represented.  Several  species  of  hawks,  red-tailed,  red- 
shouldered,  and  broad-winged,  have  been  identified.  Several 
species  of  woodpecker,  including  the  pileated,  red-bellied,  and 
red  headed,  are  known  to  the  area. 

Fish  studies  within  the  Millpond  show  that  panfish  (i.e. 
bluegill  and  warmouth)  maintain  high  densities  with  a  good 
proportion  of  predatory  species  (largemouth  bass,  longnose  gar, 
and  chain  pickerel).  Largemouth  bass  comprise  about  10  percent 
of  the  fish  population;  other  game  fish  collected  include  bluegill, 
black  crappie,  chain  pickerel,  and  pumpkinseed.  Unfortunately, 
non-game  fish  are  fairly  abundant  in  the  Millpond,  with  the  creek 
chubsucker  being  the  most  numerous  species  collected.  Other 
non-game  species  collected  include  the  golden  shiner,  Longnose 
gar,  and  brown  bullhead. 

As  a  result  of  the  large  non-game  population,  the  Wildlife 
Resources  Commission  practices  an  annual  14-inch  drawdown 
from  November  to  mid-March  (before  the  water  temperature 
reaches  50°  F).  This  action  is  designed  to  reduce  the  aquatic 
vegetation  and  forage  fish  population.  The  gates  are  replaced 
prior  to  the  spawning  time  of  the  creek  chubsucker. 


Reptiles  and  amphibians  are  varied  and  abundant.  Many 
turtles  bask  on  available  tree  stumps  or  logs.  Those  identified  in- 
clude the  eastern  box,  eastern  mud,  and  eastern  painted  turtles. 
During  high  water  in  the  swamp,  red-bellied  and  brown  water 
snakes  are  common  on  lower  limbs  of  young  cypress  trees.  The 
eastern  cottonmouth  is  conspicuous  during  periods  of  low  water 
in  the  swamp,  and  the  southern  copperhead  appears  on  the  up- 
land clearcut  area.  Frogs  and  toads  are  also  abundant.  Several 
species  of  frogs,  the  bull,  green,  and  leopard  frogs,  and  the 
Fowlers  and  southern  toads  are  a  few  of  the  common  amphib- 
ians. Two  species  of  salamander  have  been  observed  —  the 
dusky  and  slimy  salamanders. 

The  most  abundant  insects  in  the  swamp  are  mosquitoes, 
biting  flies  (deer  and  yellow  flies),  ticks,  and  mites  (chiggers  and 
red  bugs).  The  swamp-pond  ecotone  and  upland  contain  many 
mosquitoes,  deer  flies,  and  yellow  flies,  making  the  area  some- 
what uncomfortable  between  the  months  of  June  and  October. 

The  swamp/pond  complex  is  an  excellent  home  for  many 
species  of  mammals.  Furbearers  identified  at  Merchants  Mill- 
pond are  raccoon,  opossum,  skunk,  rabbit,  muskrat,  river  otter, 
mink,  beaver,  and  bobcat.  The  bobcat  is  the  only  member  of  the 
cat  family  residing  in  the  area.  River  otter  and  mink  are  scarce; 
however,  a  beaver  colony  has  settled  in  Lassiter  Swamp,  just 
above  the  Millpond.  A  series  of  dams  and  a  lodge  were  located, 
but  field  observations  indicate  that  the  colony  is  probably  only 
several  years  old. 

The  white-tailed  deer  is  an  important  game  species  in  North 
Carolina.  Historically,  sport  hunting  concentrates  on  deer  in  this 
area.  The  former  Georgia-Pacific  property  was  hunted  for  years 
before  the  company  donated  the  land  to  the  State.  Although  the 
current  population  is  undetermined,  deer  tracks  and  other  signs 
suggest  the  presence  of  an  ample  population  on  the  site. 


19 


u.s.  158 


T 


STATE      PARK  gates    county,   n.c. 


clearcut  &  young  pine 
15  percent  +  slopes 
soils  drainage  problems 
MODERATE 

mature  pine 

8-15  percent  slopes 

soils/limited  drainage  problems 


SLIGHT 


hardwood  &  mixed  forests 
soils/moderate  drainage  problems 

fields 


20 


DEVELOPMENT  LIMITATIONS 

Development  limitations  at  Merchants  Millpond  State  Park 
are  based  on  a  number  of  criteria.  In  the  low-lying  areas,  flooding 
tendencies  and  high  water  table  severely  limit  development 
potential.  Many  of  these  areas  are  frequently  submerged. 

The  physical  properties  of  the  soils  often  pose  less  severe 
problems  on  higher  ground.  Low-bearing  strength,  slow  percola- 
tion, high  shrink-swell  potential,  and  poor  drainage  caused  by 
level  terrain  are  the  most  common  limitations  for  these  soils.  Near 
the  Millpond  and  Lassiter  Swamp,  steep  slopes  separate  the 
higher-level  terrain  from  the  low-lying  ground.  These  slopes  are 
frequently  over  15  percent,  effectively  eliminating  most  types  of 
park  development  (except  for  trails). 

Clearcutting  activities  have  drastically  altered  the  natural 
characteristics  of  the  landscape  in  several  areas,  particularly  on 
the  high  ground  north  of  the  Millpond,  and  in  the  "Big  Tree"  area 
of  Lassiter  Swamp.  The  impact  will  likely  be  detrimental  for 
several  decades  since  no  slash  treatment  or  reforestation  efforts 
were  made  in  either  of  these  two  major  impact  areas.  Conse- 
quently, these  areas  are  considered  presently  unsuitable  for 
park-related  activities. 

The  young  pine  stands  are  also  unsuitable  for  most  park  ac- 
tivities, at  least  for  the  next  two  or  three  decades.  However,  even 
mature  pine  stands  should  not  be  considered  as  desirable  as 
mixed  pine-hardwood  or  hardwood  stands.  Though  the  latter 
forest  communities  are  more  desirable  for  typical  park  uses, 
significant  alteration  of  their  natural  character  must  be  avoided. 
This  is  particularly  true  of  the  pure  beech  stands  which  appear  on 
the  promontories  jutting  into  the  northwest  side  of  the  Millpond. 

Development  of  particular  natural  or  scenic  attractions,  such 
as  Lassiter  Swamp,  the  "cathedral,"  the  "enchanted  forest,"  or 
the  beaver  constructions,  should  be  avoided. 


21 


m 


*.'••  «.* 


*e  1 


:nu 


MILLPOND  PROTECTION  &  RECREATION 

The  primary  purpose  of  a  State  Park  development  plan  is  to 
protect  significant  geological  features,  botanical  communities,  or 
other  lands  having  important  natural  features,  as  well  as  allowing 
public  access  and  recreational  activities  compatible  with  the  site. 
Protection  of  the  Millpond  and  Lassiter  Swamp  is  the  primary  ob- 
jective of  the  plan.  Present  State  ownership  includes  the  Mill- 
pond  and  adjacent  property  on  the  north  and  south  sides  of  the 
Millpond,  approximating  1947  acres.  Approximately  121  acres 
should  be  acquired  from  the  present  Park  boundary  at  the  dam  to 
Lassiter  Swamp  for  the  protection  of  the  southern  shore  of  the 
Millpond.  This  property  consists  of  a  100- to  150-foot  buffer  along 
the  shore  that  could  be  acquired  by  fee  simple  or  as  a  scenic 
easement.  A  scenic  easement  permits  a  property  owner  to  retain 
title  to  the  land  and  allows  him  a  property  tax  reduction  for  the 
rights  acquired  by  State  Parks.  The  wetland  in  Lassiter  Swamp, 
approximately  670  acres,  should  be  acquired  in  fee  simple  own- 
ership by  the  State.  Protection  of  the  cypress-gum  community  is 
the  highest  priority.  The  largest  cypress  trees  are  located  mid- 
way between  the  Millpond  and  U.S.  158  on  Bennetts  Creek.  This 
area  is  beautiful  and  would  significantly  expand  the  Park's  nature 
interpretation  program. 

The  principal  theme  of  the  Millpond's  Nature  Interpretation 
program  will  center  on  the  physical  and  biological  components 
constituting  a  pond-swamp  ecosystem.  The  history  of  the  Mill- 
pond and  related  natural  and  cultural  factors  that  have  influenced 
the  Millpond's  current  features  will  be  illustrated. 

Ideally,  a  visitor  center  will  orient  park  visitors  to  the  site  and 
will  be  the  focal  point  for  all  nature  study  activities.  The  building 
will  contain  areas  for  exhibits,  a  laboratory,  administrative  offices, 
restrooms,  utilities,  and  storage.  This  facility  requires  an  interior 
space  of  3000  square  feet. 

Trail  booklets  illustrating  the  location  of  hiking  trails,  and 
specialized  pamphlets  describing  points  of  interest  will  supple- 
ment exhibits  in  the  visitor  center.  These  publications  will  stress 
the  qualities  and  significance  of  various  features,  and  emphasize 
that  collecting  or  destroying  flora  and  fauna  in  the  Park  is  strictly 
prohibited. 


Approximately  15  miles  of  hiking  trails  will  emanate  from  the 
visitor  center  to  areas  of  interest  in  the  Park.  Self-guided  trails  will 
direct  the  visitor  to  specific  areas  of  natural  significance  and  to 
other  recreational  activities  on  the  site.  Special  trails  for  handi- 
capped individuals  (non-ambulatory  and  blind)  will  be  provided 
near  the  visitor  center.  Trails  for  guided  tours  and  hikers  will  lie 
along  the  shore  to  illustrate  various  habitat  types;  interconnecting 
trails  will  provide  hikes  of  various  lengths.  Outdoor  display  cases 
and  exhibits  along  the  trails  at  various  points  will  provide  direc- 
tional and  general  information  about  specific  areas.  Trails  will  be 
designed  so  that  outstanding  natural  sites  are  accessible  by  foot 
or  water  excursions.  The  "cathedral,"  "enchanted  forest,"  and 
Lassiter  Swamp  are  areas  requiring  a  two-mile  hike  or  a  three- 
mile  water  trip. 

All  primary  hiking  trails  will  be  surfaced  with  wood  chips  or 
other  natural  materials.  Heavily  used  trails  suffering  from  soil  ero- 
sion should  be  hard-surfaced  if  other  alignments  are  not 
available.  Trails  located  in  areas  where  intermittent  standing 
water  is  present  will  be  elevated  on  wooden  walkways.  This  situa- 
tion occurs  in  the  "enchanted  forest"  and  Lassiter  Swamp.  The 
walkways  should  be  a  minimum  of  five  feet  wide,  and  vary  in 
elevation  according  to  the  average  water  level. 

Use  of  the  Millpond  will  be  limited  to  fishing  and  canoeing. 
Lightweight  fishing  boats,  with  or  without  electric  motors,  and 
canoes  will  be  the  only  watercraft  allowed.  A  boat  launch  for  fish- 
ermen and  canoeists  is  located  near  the  dam  site  along  S.R. 
1400.  A  parking  lot  for  25  vehicles,  or  12  vehicles  with  trailers,  has 
also  been  provided.  This  facility  also  accommodates  parking  for 
individuals  wishing  to  fish  from  the  bank  below  the  dam.  No  park- 
ing will  be  permitted  along  the  60-foot  highway  right-of-way  on 
S.R.  1400.  The  old,  eroded  launch  site  adjacent  to  the  dam  will  be 
stabilized  by  landscape  planting. 

For  those  families  or  groups  who  do  not  have  a  suitable 
watercraft,  but  wish  to  explore  the  Millpond  from  the  water,  a 
canoe  concession  is  proposed  in  coordination  with  the  visitor 
center.  Approximately  seven  miles  of  canoe  trails  are  proposed 
in  the  Millpond,  with  an  additional  three  miles  of  swamp  trail. 


23 


"duke    swamp 
area  of  environmental 
oncern 


LdlPOM© 


STATE     PARK 


gates    county,    n.  c. 


24 


MASTER    PLAN    SYMBOLS    KEY 


PARK   OFFICE 


RANGER 
RESIDENCE 


MAINTENANCE 


VISITOR  CENTER 


BOAT 
CONCESSION 


FAMILY 
PICNICKING 


GROUP 
PICNICKING 


FISHING 


AMPHITHEATRE 


TENT  AND 
TRAILER  CAMPING 


GROUP  TENT 
CAMPING 


©FAMILY  PRIMITIVE 
CAMPING 

GROUP  PRIMITIVE 
CAMPING 


BOAT  RAMP 


CANOE  LAUNCH 


PARKING 


When  water  levels  are  low,  only  half  of  Bennetts  Creek  from  the 
Millpond  to  U.S.  158  is  navigable  by  canoe. 

At  this  time,  it  is  difficult  to  estimate  the  number  of  canoes 
that  can  be  allowed  on  the  Millpond,  while  still  maintaining  a 
wilderness  character.  Initially,  only  36  canoes  will  be  provided 
(approximately  one  canoe  for  every  1000  feet  of  canoe  trail). 
Later,  canoes  will  be  added  as  demand  indicates;  however,  the 
impact  of  this  concession  should  be  evaluated  yearly  and  a  limit 
of  100  canoes  not  exceeded  (one  canoe  for  every  300  feet  of 
trail).  The  primary  objective  of  the  trail  is  to  allow  the  visitor  to  en- 
joy the  plants  and  animals;  therefore  the  quality  of  the  experi- 
ence must  not  be  destroyed  by  overuse. 

Guided  and  self-guided  canoe  trails  will  be  provided.  Water- 
based  nature  walks,  bird  watching,  and  studies  of  pond  and 
swamp  ecology  are  possible  topics  for  the  program.  Where 
necessary  the  trails  can  be  marked  with  either  an  anchored  buoy 
or  a  tree  blaze.  Although  water  markers  could  detract  from  the 
wild  character  of  the  Millpond,  they  can  be  placed  in  discrete 
locations  to  minimize  their  visual  impact. 

NORTHSIDE  RECREATION  ACTIVITIES 

In  order  to  protect  the  Park  as  well  as  effectively  manage 
public  recreation  facilities,  one  entrance  is  proposed  on  U.S.  158. 
Enough  land  is  available  on  the  north  side  of  the  Millpond  to  ac- 
commodate recreational  activities  requiring  vehicular  access.  For 
this  reason,  the  family  and  group  picnic  area,  family  tent  and 
trailer  camp,  visitor  center  and  boat  concession,  and  group  tent 
camps  will  be  located  on  this  side  of  the  Millpond.  Other  activities 
requiring  a  secluded  area  will  be  located  either  on  the  south  side 
of  the  Millpond  or  further  east,  in  Lassiter  Swamp.  Access  to  these 
areas  will  be  provided  by  either  trail  or  canoe.  Other  than  hiking 
and  canoeing,  primitive  camping  for  families  and  groups  is  the 
only  activity  provided  here. 

The  main  park  office  will  be  located  just  south  of  the  new 
park  entrance  off  U.S.  158.  This  office  will  be  the  primary  informa- 
tion and  administrative  center  for  the  Park.  Camping  permits,  in- 
formation, and  other  requests  will  be  handled  here.  Twelve  park- 
ing spaces  for  visitors  are  proposed. 


25 


Entrance 


Northside  Park  Development  (Sheet  1) 

^     Scale:  1"=450' 


Park  maintenance  is  one  of  the  most  important  functions  of 
the  staff.  The  physical  appearance  and  condition  of  the  Park  can 
influence  the  visitor's  attitude  while  he  is  here.  For  this  reason,  the 
Division  requires  a  rigorous  maintenance  program  for  every  site. 

Proper  location  of  the  maintenance  area  is  important  for  ef- 
ficiency. The  area  should  be  convenient  to  the  park  office  and  ma- 
jor use  areas,  and  in  this  case,  would  be  best  located  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  park  office.  Storage  space  for  park  supplies,  equip- 
ment, and  vehicles,  along  with  a  workshop  for  minor  machinery 
repair  and  park  construction,  will  be  provided.  In  a  small  park, 
these  functions  could  be  combined  in  the  same  building  with  the 
park  office,  or  they  could  be  located  in  a  separate  building 
screened  from  the  park  office.  In  either  case,  park  personnel 
could  service  both  sides  of  the  Park,  continue  repair  duties  in  the 
maintenance  area,  and  still  monitor  the  office. 

A  residence  for  the  park  superintendent  will  be  provided  just 
inside  the  main  gate  to  assure  easy  access  to  the  office,  and  to 
control  the  park  entrance  in  case  of  nighttime  emergency. 

The  main  family  overnight  use  area  is  the  tent  and  trailer 
campground,  located  south  of  the  park  office  along  the  main  park 
road.  Sufficient  land  is  available  to  develop  three  40-site  camping 
loops.  Every  campsite  offers  a  12'  x  15'  tent  pad,  cooking  grill,  pic- 
nic table,  and  a  50-foot  pull-off  for  trailers.  The  individual  sites  are 
approximately  100  feet  apart  along  the  loop  road,  and  each  loop  is 
located  a  minimum  of  300  feet  from  the  park  road. 

The  camping  loops  will  develop  as  demand  indicates;  how- 
ever, no  more  than  two  loops  should  be  in  use  during  a  season. 
This  practice  allows  rotation  of  campsites  should  overuse  become 
apparent  on  any  loop.  The  first  loop  of  40  campsites  and  wash- 
house  is  designed  to  accommodate  140  visitors,  and  will  require 
approximately  15  acres  of  land.  The  remaining  80  campsites  and 
two  washhouses  will  occupy  30  to  40  acres. 


26 


- 


Northside  Park  Development  [Sheet  2 

scale:  1"  =  750'         **N 

STATE      PARK  gates    county,    n.c. 


27 


28 


DAY  USE 

The  main  day  use  area  for  the  Park  will  be  located  on  the 
ridge  east  of  the  park  office  and  family  camp.  The  park  road 
would  continue  across  the  creek,  separating  the  family  camp  from 
the  picnic  area  and  visitor  center.  As  previously  mentioned,  the 
visitor  center  and  boat  concession  are  combined  in  one  area 
overlooking  the  Millpond,  and  a  dock  and  boathouse  for  canoe 
storage  are  proposed  for  the  site.  A  concession  stand  with  limited 
provisions  and  conveniences  desired  by  park  users  will  be  pro- 
vided at  the  visitor  center.  The  visitor  center/boat  concession 
complex  is  designed  to  accommodate  approximately  2500  day 
use  visitors;  this  figure  includes  an  estimate  of  seven  to  eight  turn- 
overs per  day.  Parking  required  for  this  use  totals  90  spaces,  with 
an  additional  50  spaces  for  visitors  who  use  the  hiking  and  canoe 
trails.  Primitive  campers  using  the  south  side  Millpond  sites  would 
embark  from  this  complex;  thus  40  additional  parking  spaces 
would  be  required. 

The  family  and  group  picnic  area  is  located  west  of  the  visitor 
center  on  the  same  ridge.  Approximately  23  acres  of  family  and  12 
acres  of  group  picnicking  are  proposed.  These  figures  represent 
the  optimum  capacity  for  this  area.  The  family  picnic  area  pro- 
vides 185  tables  with  three  comfort  stations,  and  four  decen- 
tralized parking  lots  to  reduce  the  development  impact.  The  area 
averages  from  six  to  eight  picnic  tables  per  acre  with  a  maximum 
walking  distance  of  300  feet  to  a  comfort  station.  The  group  area 
represents  approximately  40  percent  of  the  total  picnic  use.  Three 
group  areas  are  available  within  the  12-acre  site.  Each  of  the 
group  areas  has  a  750-square-foot  shelter,  a  25-car  parking  lot, 
and  48  picnic  tables  —  an  average  of  16  tables  per  acre.  Each 
area  will  accommodate  a  group  of  50  to  150  individuals;  three 
comfort  stations  will  be  required  to  serve  the  entire  group  picnic 
area. 


The  remaining  activity  requiring  vehicular  access  is  the 
group  tent  camp.  This  facility  would  accommodate  organized 
groups  of  150  or  less,  such  as  Scouts  or  4-H'ers,  and  will  be 
available  by  reservation.  Usually  groups  of  this  size  bring  much 
equipment  and  require  easy  access  to  the  site.  Each  tent  camp 
will  take  four  to  five  acres  and  will  have  12  to  15  campsites.  Two 
acres  of  open  space,  a  circle  for  cooking  and  assembling,  and 
small  washhouse  will  be  provided  for  each  camp. 

Two  group  tent  camps  are  located  east  of  the  visitor  center 
along  the  main  park  road.  Three  existing  agricultural  fields  would 
serve  this  type  of  use.  They  are  secluded  from  the  other  family  ac- 
tivities and  are  within  walking  distance  of  the  visitor  center.  Each 
camp  requires  parking  for  50  cars  and  three  buses. 


29 


Group  Wilderness  Camp 


Millpond 


Southside  Park  Development 

""N        scale:  1"  =  625' 


SOUTHSIDE 
PRIMITIVE  CAMPS 

The  primitive  camp  offers  the  most  secluded  camping 
because  it  is  located  in  the  most  remote  and  unique  area  of  a 
park.  For  this  reason,  primitive  camps  are  proposed  for  Lassiter 
Swamp  and  the  south  side  of  the  Millpond.  Sites  are  designated 
along  trails,  and  each  camp  is  provided  with  a  clearing  for  a  tent 
and  fire.  All  camps  are  200  feet  apart  and  have  a  centralized 
water  supply  and  pit  toilet. 

The  group  primitive  camp  is  designed  to  accommodate 
groups  of  50  people  or  less.  Twelve  tent  sites  are  designated  for 
each  camp.  A  common  space  for  cooking  and  assembly  is 
provided  along  with  a  water  source  and  pit  toilet.  An  open  space 
for  informal  games  can  be  incorporated  where  convenient  to  the 
site. 

One  family  camp  (with  15  individual  sites)  and  two  group 
camps  are  proposed  for  the  south  side  of  the  Millpond.  The 
family  camp  and  one  group  camp  are  located  on  property  leased 
to  the  North  Carolina  Division  of  Mental  Health  by  the  Coleman 
Family.  The  local  Mental  Health  Office  in  Ahoskie  was  operating 
Camp  Chowanoc,  for  30  children,  adjacent  to  the  Park.  To  sup- 
plement the  activities  of  the  camp,  wilderness  activities,  camping, 
and  hiking  are  planned  for  the  Coleman  property.  These  uses  are 
compatible  with  the  Park,  and  hopefully  a  cooperative  agreement 
concerning  development  and  use  of  these  facilities  can  be 
reached.  The  other  group  camp  is  located  further  north  on 
current  State  Park  property. 

A  hike  of  3.8  miles,  or  a  canoe  trip  of  1 .5  miles,  is  required  to 
reach  these  camps  from  the  visitor  center.  While  the  canoe  trail 
would  be  the  most  scenic  and  efficient  means  of  travel  through 
the  Millpond,  a  hiking  trail  will  be  available  for  those  who  prefer  to 
walk. 

As  part  of  the  protection  and  management  of  the  south  side 
of  the  Millpond,  a  ranger's  residence  will  be  located  along  S.R. 
1400,  west  of  Group  Primitive  Camp  One.  This  ranger  will  be  able 
to  monitor  use  of  the  boat  launch  and  be  available  should  an 
emergency  arise  during  the  night  in  the  primitive  camps. 


30 


LASSITER  SWAMP 

One  family  primitive  camp  with  ten  sites  and  one  group 
primitive  camp  proposed  for  Lassiter  Swamp  offer  the  park 
visitor  an  overnight  experience  in  a  swamp  environment.  Access 
will  be  provided  by  hiking  or  canoe  trail.  A  hike  of  approximately 
one  mile  will  be  required  from  a  25-space  parking  lot  located  at 
the  upstream  end  of  the  Millpond  on  the  north  side.  In  addition  to 
the  hiking  trail,  a  two-mile  nature  trail  through  the  swamp/pond 
ecotone  will  be  provided.  Part  of  this  trail  will  be  elevated,  allow- 
ing access  to  Bennetts  Creek  and  Lassiter  Swamp.  Canoe  access 
by  Bennetts  Creek  will  be  marked  and  portages  over  the  existing 
beaver  dams  provided. 

The  period  of  high  water  during  early  spring  and  summer  af- 
ter the  winter  draw-down  is  the  most  suitable  time  for  a  canoe  trip 
through  Lassiter  Swamp.  A  canoe  access  at  the  U.S.  158  bridge 
will  serve  visitors  who  wish  to  canoe  Bennetts  Creek  from  the 
bridge  to  the  Millpond  during  high  water.  Parking  will  be  allowed 
along  the  highway  right-of-way,  a  launching  trail  to  the  creek  will 
be  built,  and  a  water  trail  to  the  Millpond  will  be  marked. 

PROJECTED  PARK  USE 

Park  development  totals  just  over  160  acres.  This  figure  in- 
cludes activity  areas,  road  alignments,  and  hiking  trails.  Of  the 
total  proposed  land  area,  a  little  over  six  percent  will  potentially 
be  developed.  A  substantial  natural  area  composed  of  Lassiter 
Swamp  and  the  Millpond  will  be  protected,  and  the  500-acre 
clearcut  on  the  north  side  of  the  Millpond  will  not  be  suitable  for 
development  until  the  forest  is  reestablished. 

The  proposed  facilities  will  accommodate  approximately 
1750  day  users  per  day  and  800  overnight  users.  Approximately 
70  percent  of  the  total  park  visitation  is  day  use,  and  the  remain- 
ing 30  percent  is  overnight  use.  These  figures  reflect  projected 


group  uses  that  average  about  one  percent  of  the  total  park  use. 
Combining  these  daily  use  figures  with  the  average  seasonal 
visitation  of  other  State  Parks  renders  a  yearly  use  figure  ranging 
from  75,000  to  150,000  visitors  per  year. 

The  Millpond's  visitation  pattern  will  vary  from  that  of  other 
State  Parks  because  of  the  unpleasant  summer  weather  typical  of 
a  southern  swamp.  The  most  pleasant  seasons  to  visit  the  area 
are  late  fall  and  early  spring.  For  this  reason  the  Park  should  at- 
tract heavy  use  in  the  spring  and  fall,  particularly  on  weekends. 

INTERIM  USE  FACILITIES 

Before  major  park  development  begins,  interim  use  facilities 
will  open  at  Merchants  Millpond.  A  temporary  family  picnic  area 
with  ten  tables,  a  well,  and  two  pit  toilets  has  already  been  located 
in  the  field  adjacent  to  the  old  boat  launch  just  south  of  the  dam. 
This  site  was  an  agricultural  field  owned  by  members  of  the 
Coleman  family  who  have  agreed  to  relinquish  their  agricultural 
rights.  In  conjunction  with  the  picnic  area,  a  temporary  park  of- 
fice, maintenance  area,  and  park  residence  will  service  the  south 
side  of  the  Millpond. 

In  order  to  accommodate  fishermen  and  canoeists,  the  per- 
manent boat  launch  has  been  placed  adjacent  to  the  parking 
area.  A  gravel  lot  for  25  cars  and  12  vehicles  with  trailers  serves 
the  picnic  area  and  launch.  The  old  boat  launch  will  be  closed  to 
vehicular  traffic  and  stabilized.  People  fishing  at  the  dam  can  also 
park  in  this  area,  and  cars  will  be  prohibited  from  parking  on  the 
road  shoulder.  A  temporary  gate  will  be  placed  at  the  entrance  off 
S.R.  1400.  The  park  office  and  residence  have  been  located  so 
that  the  park  ranger  can  visually  monitor  access  to  the  Millpond 
anytime  of  the  day  or  night.  In  addition,  family  and  group 
primitive  campsites  will  be  established.  Eight  family  primitive 
sites  are  already  in  existence.  Hiking  and  canoe  trails  will  also  be 
established. 


31 


SERVICES  TO  PARK  USERS 

Established  programs  currently  practiced  in  other  State 
Parks,  particularly  those  for  visitor  protection  and  law  enforce- 
ment, must  be  emphasized  at  Merchants  Millpond  State  Park. 
The  legal  authority  vested  in  park  personnel  controls  misuse  of 
the  Park  and  encroachment  upon  its  land. 

Patrol  of  the  Park  should  be  conducted  systematically,  in- 
cluding use  areas,  roads,  and  hiking  and  canoe  trails.  Park 
boundaries  should  be  well  marked  and  patrolled  regularly, 
preventing  encroachment,  development  of  new  trails,  unwanted 
uses,  and  so  forth.  The  mobile  patrolling  units  should  be  radio- 
equipped,  as  should  the  park  office.  A  good  working  relationship 
with  local  law  enforcement  agencies  is  desirable. 

A  fire  control  plan  should  be  developed  with  the  assistance 
of  the  North  Carolina  Division  of  Forest  Resources.  This  plan 
would  utilize  existing  roads,  paths,  trails,  and  easements,  es- 
tablishing a  unified  fire  trail  system.  Fire-fighting  equipment 
stored  at  critical  points  around  the  Park  will  be  readily  accessible 
to  both  park  staff  and  visitors  in  an  emergency. 

A  well  designed  and  up-to-date  information  service  for  park 
visitors  is  essential.  Visitors  should  be  well  oriented  to  location  of 
park  facilities,  trails,  features,  and  available  programs.  In  addi- 
tion, through  the  information  facilities,  visitors  should  be 
acquainted  with  park  regulations  and  philosophy. 

The  park  office  and  visitor  center  will  provide  information 
regarding  orientation  and  activities.  Supplementary  information 
will  be  available  at  various  use  areas.  A  trail  map  will  illustrate  the 
location  and  destination  of  the  hiking,  canoe,  and  self-guided 
nature  trails.  Additionally,  pamphlets  and  exhibits  will  describe 
points  of  interest  on  each  trail.  Again,  all  printed  material  will 
stress  that  collecting  or  destroying  fauna  and  flora  is  strictly 
prohibited. 


32 


ENVIRONMENTAL  MANAGEMENT 

Human  activity  has  in  several  ways  encroached  upon  the 
Millpond  and  Swamp.  The  use  of  fertilizer  and  pesticides,  par- 
ticularly on  fields  adjacent  to  the  Millpond,  poses  a  threat  to  the 
local  environment.  Plowing  across  contours  appreciably  adds  to 
the  sedimentation  and  nutrient  content  of  the  Millpond  and  ac- 
celerates eutrophication.  For  these  reasons  it  is  desirable  to  ac- 
quire those  fields  immediately  adjacent  to  the  Millpond's  north 
bank,  and  to  purchase  filter  strips  or  buffers  elsewhere  along  the 
edges  of  the  Millpond  and  Swamp.  Changing  or  modifying  those 
agricultural  practices  detrimental  to  the  Millpond  and  Swamp 
could  also  alleviate  the  environmental  problems. 

In  order  to  determine  the  most  beneficial  modifications,  the 
Department  of  Natural  Resources  and  Community  Development 
would  conduct  water  quality  studies.  Of  particular  importance  are 
the  levels  of  agricultural  chemicals,  detergent,  and  fecal  coliform 
bacteria.  The  content  of  silt  and  biological  oxygen  demand 
should  also  be  determined  in  this  study. 

The  overabundance  of  aquatic  vegetation  in  the  Millpond 
should  be  controlled  by  annually  lowering  the  Millpond's  water 
level  approximately  14  inches.  This  practice  exposes  the  aquatic 
vegetation  to  winter  weather  from  November  through  March,  and 
has  been  moderately  successful  in  causing  a  partial  dieback  of 
excessive  aquatic  vegetation.  At  the  same  time,  this  practice 
reduces  the  forage  fish  population.  Care  should  be  taken  to 
replace  the  control  gates  prior  to  the  spawning  time  of  the  creek 
chubsucker  (before  water  temperature  reaches  50°  F,  about  the 
middle  or  latter  part  of  March).  This  would  prevent  undesirable 
restocking  of  the  Millpond  with  this  species.  The  Division  of  In- 
land Fisheries,  North  Carolina  Wildlife  Resources  Commission, 
currently  manages  the  Millpond  in  this  manner.  This  practice 
should  be  allowed  to  continue;  however,  the  Inland  Fisheries  Divi- 
sions, in  cooperation  with  the  Division  of  Parks  and  Recreation, 
should  annually  review  the  Millpond  management  practices.  Park 
development,  policies,  and  changes  in  adjacent  land  use  can 
necessitate  Millpond  management  changes. 

Unfortunately,  recent  timber  harvests  have  had  a  tremen- 
dously detrimental  impact  upon  the  natural  character  of  approx- 
imately 500  acres  of  the  upper  hardwood  and  pine  barren  areas. 
About  350  acres  were  clearcut,  leaving  a  young  stand  of  naturally 


regenerated  loblolly  pine  and  sweetgum.  Interspersed  within  this 
area  are  several  patches  of  30-year  old  pines  totalling  about  20 
acres.  The  two  largest  patches  were  thinned  by  the  loggers  in 
1971.  Approximately  125  acres  consist  of  an  overstory  of  40-year 
old  hardwoods,  mostly  maple  and  sweetgum,  with  an  understory 
of  young  pine,  maple,  and  sweetgum. 

None  of  these  areas  currently  has  any  appreciable 
recreational  value,  with  the  possible  exception  of  the  40-year  old 
hardwoods.  Accordingly,  the  North  Carolina  Division  of  Forest 
Resources  was  asked  to  make  recommendations  for  improving 
the  environmental  quality. 

The  resulting  "woodland  management  plan"  recommended 
that  the  large  clearcut  area  be  left  as  is  because  it  is  already 
satisfactorily  stocked  with  pines.  Although  this  area  will  resemble 
a  "jungle"  for  the  next  decade,  the  pines  are  expected  to  begin 
out-competing  the  hardwood  sprouts  in  about  10-15  years. 
Twenty  years  hence,  this  area  will  have  an  overstory  of  pine  trees 
with  a  hardwood  understory.  The  "jungle"  effect  will  be  basically 
eliminated  with  the  shading  out  of  the  dense  understory  of  briars, 
shrubs,  and  young  trees.  Eventually,  the  pines  will  predominate. 
However,  the  management  plan  recommends  that  logging  skid 
trails,  as  well  as  the  edge  of  the  main  road  be  seeded  with  wildlife 
food  species. 

Likewise,  it  was  recommended  that  the  pine  patches  be  left 
to  grow  as  they  are  presently.  No  improvement  work,  including 
wildlife  food  plots,  is  needed. 

Several  alternatives  were  considered  for  the  125-acre 
hardwood  overstory  area.  But,  based  on  Division  of  Parks  and 
Recreation  management  goals  and  objectives,  natural  succes- 
sion was  chosen  as  the  primary  management  tool.  Again,  the 
management  plan  recommends  that  logging  skid  trails  be 
seeded  as  wildlife  food  plots.  Thus,  the  fauna  capacity  of  the  local 
habitat  will  be  substantially  increased. 

Although  this  area  will  maintain  a  relatively  dense  un- 
derstory of  young  pines  and  briars  for  the  next  few  years,  even- 
tually the  hardwoods  will  spread  their  crowns  and  dominate.  In  20 
years,  a  stand  of  slow  growing  hardwoods  will  provide  an  ex- 
cellent wildlife  habitat.  In  60  years,  there  should  be  a  stand  of 
large,  low  quality  hardwoods  with  an  occasional  loblolly  pine. 


33 


PARK  DEVELOPMENT  PHASING 

PHASE  I  (Interim  Facilities) 
Park  Office  (temporary)* 
Picnic  Area 
10  tables* 
2  pit  toilets  and  water  source* 

Public  Boat  Access 

1  gravel  ramp* 

Parking  Lot  for  Boat  Launch  and  Picnic  Area 
12  double  spaces* 
25  single  spaces* 

2  spaces  for  park  personnel* 

Ranger's  Residence  (South  Side)  (temporary)* 

Family  Primitive  Camp  (North  Side) 
8  sites* 
1  pit  toilet* 

1  boat  dock 

Group  Primitive  Camp  (South  Side) 
12  sites 

2  pit  toilets 

Hiking  Trails 

1.46  miles  (dam  to  primitive  camp)* 
.25  miles  of  boardwalk  (picnic  area  to  Pond  island). 

Canoe  Trail 

7.23  miles  (pond  trail  and  Lassiter  Swamp  loop) 

Roads 

.04  miles  of  access  road* 
.01  miles  residence  access* 


PHASE  II 

Park  Office  and  Maintenance  Area 
12  parking  spaces 

restroom  and  water  source 
1  maintenance  shed,  storage  building/office 

Ranger  Residences 

1  new  residence  (north  side) 
1  seasonal  barrack  (6  persons) 


Family  Picnic  Area 
60  tables 

60  parking  spaces 
1  comfort  station  &  water  source 

Group  Picnic  Area 

1  comfort  station/shelter  (750  sq.  ft.) 
48  tables 
25  parking  spaces  and  2  bus  spaces 

Tent  &  Trailer  Camping 
1  loop  (40  sites) 
1  washhouse  and  water  source 

Family  Primitive  Camp  (swamp  area) 
5  sites 

5  parking  spaces 
1  pit  toilet 

Group  Primitive  Camp  (replaces  interim  picnic  area) 
12  sites  (retain  water  source  and  privies) 
12  parking  spaces  and  1  bus  space  (located  at  boat 
concession) 
1  boat  dock 

Group  Tent  Camp 

1  camp  (150  persons  maximum) 
50  parking  spaces  and  3  bus  spaces 

1  washhouse 

Canoe  Concession 

36  canoes  and  canoe  shelter 
50  parking  spaces  (includes  32  parking  spaces  for 
wilderness  campers,  16  of  which  are  temporary) 

2  temporary  pit  toilets  and  water  source 

Swamp  Interpretive  Trail  and  Shelter 
1  interpretive  shelter 
3.45  mile  interpretive  trail  ("Big  Tree"  loop)/  .5  miles  of 
boardwalk 
25  parking  spaces,  3  bus  spaces 

Hiking  Trails 

3.40  miles  (north  side  —  dam  to  Swamp  Trail  parking  lot) 


*  These  facilities  have  already  been  recently  established. 


34 


Roads 
3.20  miles  (new)  public  access 
1.46  miles  (upgrade  existing  road)  public  access 
1  bridge 
close  public  access  to  temporary  picnic  area  (south  side), 
retain  for  ranger  access  (only) 


PHASE  III 

Visitor  Center  (3000  sq.  ft.) 

60  parking  spaces  (20  spaces  for  wilderness  campers) 

Canoe  Concession 

36  canoes,  expand  canoe  shelter 

18  parking  spaces  (replaces  temporary  wilderness  camp 
spaces) 

Family  Picnic  Area 
60  tables 

60  parking  spaces 
1  comfort  station  and  water  source 

Group  Picnic  Area 

1  comfort  station/shelter  (750  sq.  ft.) 
48  tables 
25  parking  spaces  and  2  bus  spaces 

Tent  and  Trailer  Camping 
1  loop  (40  sites) 

1  washhouse  and  water  source 

Family  Primitive  Camps  (2  camps  total) 
7  sites  (south  side);  (15  sites  total) 

7  parking  spaces 

1  pit  toilet 
5  sites  (swamp  area);  (10  sites  total) 

5  parking  spaces 

Group  Primitive  Camp  (3  camps  total) 
12  sites  (swamp  area) 
12  parking  spaces  and  1  bus  space 

2  pit  toilets 

Group  Tent  Camp 

1  camp  (150  persons  maximum);  (2  camps  total) 
50  parking  spaces  and  3  bus  spaces 
1  washhouse 


Hiking  Trails 

2.88  miles  (south  side  of  Pond) 
.50  miles  of  board  walk 


PHASE  IV 

Visitor  Center 

50  additional  parking  spaces  (110  total  including  20  for 
wilderness  campers) 

Canoe  Concession 

28  canoes  (100  total),  expand  canoe  shelter 
20  parking  spaces  (70  total  including  20  for  wilderness 
campers) 

Family  Picnic  Area 

65  tables  (185  total) 
65  parking  spaces  (185  total) 
1  comfort  station  with  water  source 

Group  Picnic  Area 

1  comfort  station/shelter  (750  sq.  ft.) 
48  tables 
25  parking  spaces 

Tent  and  Trailer  Camping 

1  loop  (40  sites)  —  to  be  used  in  rotating  loops 

(120  sites  total) 
1  washhouse  and  water  source  (3  washhouses  total) 

Family  Primitive  Camps 

water  source  (south  side  and  swamp  camps) 

Designated  Canoe  Access 

(U.S.  158  bridge,  Duke  Swamp) 

Canoe  Trail 

2.88  miles  (Duke  Swamp  to  beaver  dam) 
canoe  portages  around  beaver  dams. 

Hiking  Trail 

2.13  miles  (East  Lassiter  Swamp  loop) 
.50  miles  of  boardwalk 


35 


STATE      PARK  gates    county,    n.c. 


36 


ACQUISITION  PHASING 

Existing  Acreage  —  1947.1  acres1 
PHASE  I  (Interim)  —  467  acres 

1.  Obtain  agricultural  rights  —  former  A.  B.  Coleman  property2 

2.  Sub-lease  Michael  Coleman  property;  initiate  acquisition 
proceedings  should  Camp  Chowanoc  ever  terminate  oper- 
ation —  110  acres. 

3.  Acquire  undisturbed  portions  of  Lassiter  Swamp  between 
Pond  and  "Big  Tree  Area",  inclusive  —  357  acres.3 

4.  Recommend  inclusion  of  Lassiter  Swamp,  Duke  Swamp, 
Raynor  Swamp,  and  Bennetts  Creek  in  their  entirety  as 
"conservation  zones"  under  provisions  of  the  North 
Carolina  Coastal  Area  Management  Act. 

PHASE  II  —  233  acres 

1.  Acquire  inholding  on  north  side  of  Pond  —  75  acres. 

2.  Acquire  two  small  tracts  north  of  dam  —  8.8  acres.4 

3.  Acquire  cutover  portion  of  Lassiter  Swamp  in  "Big  Tree 
Area"  —  148  acres. 

PHASE  III  —  121  acres 
1.  Acquire  buffer  on  south  side  of  Pond  —  121  acres. 

PHASE  IV  —  263  acres 
1.  Acquire  remaining  portions  of  Lassiter  and  Duke  Swamps 
to  U.S.  158  -  263  acres. 

Total  Park  Acreage  (Existing  and  Proposed)  —  2919  acres. 
'Includes  additional  112  acres  recently  acquired 

2Recently  acquired 

3108  acres  recently  acquired 

43.8  acres  recently  acquired 


37 


PERSONNEL  STAFFING 

PHASE  I  (Interim) 
Permanent  —     Park  Ranger  II 

Seasonal  —      Park  Attendant  (6  mo.) 

—  Naturalist 

Temporary  —      Labor  support  (as  needed) 

PHASE  II 

Permanent  —  Park  Superintendent 

—  Park  Ranger  I 
Seasonal                    —  Typist  Clerk 

—  2  Boathouse  Attendants 

—  Park  Attendant  (6  mo.) 
Temporary                 —  Labor  support  (as  needed) 

PHASE  III 

Permanent  —  Park  Ranger  —  Naturalist 

—  Clerk  Typist  II 

Seasonal  —  Refreshment  Stand  Manager 

—  Refreshment  Stand  Clerk 

—  Naturalist 

—  Park  Attendant  (6  mo.) 
Temporary                 —  Supportive  Labor  (as  needed) 

PHASE  IV 

Seasonal  —      Park  Attendant  (6  mo.) 

—  Boathouse  Attendant 
Temporary                 —      Labor  support  (3  mo.) 


PARK  UTILITIES 

Electricity  and  telephone  service  are  available  through  Virginia 
Electric  and  Power  Company  and  Bell  Telephone  Company, 
respectively.  Lines  for  both  power  and  telephone  presently  run 
through  and  adjacent  to  State  Park  property.  All  lines  within  park 


property  will  run  underground,  preferably  within  park  road  right- 
of-ways. 

Since  wells  in  the  area  normally  yield  from  three  to  20  gallons 
per  minute,  several  wells  will  be  required  within  the  Park  to  meet 
water  supply  needs.  Many  will  be  shallow,  so  some  users  may 
utilize  hand  pumps.  This  will  be  ideal  in  isolated  use  areas,  par- 
ticularly the  wilderness  camps.  Most  wells  in  the  area  are  only  10 
to  60  feet  deep  and,  where  water  occurs  at  depths  greater  than  40 
to  50  feet,  it  is  likely  to  be  under  artesian  pressure. 

The  more  intensive  use  areas  must  rely  on  a  central  water 
and/or  sewer  system;  however,  a  series  of  common  septic  fields 
may  suffice  for  use  areas  within  reasonable  distances  of  each 
other. 


PHASE  I  — Interim 


Temporary  Park  Office    — 


Rangers  Residence  — 


100  gal/day,  telephone  and 
electricity 

200  gal/day  with  septic  system,  tele- 
phone and  electric  service. 


Temporary  Picnic  Area 
Family  Primitive  Camp 

Group  Primitive  Camp 


Park  Office/ 
Maintenance  Area 


Ranger  Residence 
North  Side 


—  400  gal/day  (20  gal/site) 

—  1 60  gal/day  (20  gal/site)  (provided 
at  Office  parking  lot) 

—  250  gal/day  (provided  at  Office 
parking  lot) 


PHASE  II 

1000  gal/day  with  sewer  or  septic 
system,  telephone  and  electrical 
service. 

200  gal/day  with  septic  system- 
sewer,  telephone  and  electricity. 


38 


Barracks  — 

Family  Picnic  Area  — 

Group  Picnic  Area  — 

Tent  &  Trailer  — 
Camping  Area 

Family  Primitive  Camp  — 


Group  Primitive  Camp     — 


Group  Tent  Camp 
Canoe  Concession 

Visitor  Center 
Family  Picnic  Area 

Group  Picnic  Area 


Tent&  Trailer 
Camping  Area 


300  gal/day  with  septic  system- 
sewer,  telephone  and  electric 
service. 

3600  gal/day  with  septic  system- 
sewer  for  comfort  station. 

2880  gal/day  with  septic  system- 
sewer  for  comfort  station. 

6000  gal/day  (150  gal/site)  with 
septic  system-sewer  for  washhouse 
and  electric  service. 

100  gal/day  (20  gal/site)  to  be 
provided  at  Park  Office. 

250  gal/day  (sufficient  supply  avail- 
able due  to  removal  of  temporary 
tent  camp  sites  and  picnic  area). 

—  2250  gal/day  with  septic  system- 
sewer  for  washhouse,  and  electricity. 

—  720  gal/day 


PHASE  III 

1 8,750  gal/day  with  septic  system- 
sewer,  telephone  and  electricity. 

3,600  gal/day  (additional)  with  septic 
system-sewer  for  new  comfort 
station. 

2,880  gal/day  (additional)  with  septic 
system-sewer  for  existing  comfort 
station. 

6,000  gal/day  (additional)  with  septic 
system-sewer  for  new  washhouse, 
and  electricity. 


Family  Primitive  Camps 
South  Side 


Family  Primitive  Camp 
Swamp  Area 

Group  Primitive  Camp 
Swamp  Area 

Group  Tent  Camp 
Swamp  Area 


190  gal/day  (additional);  (sufficient 
supply  available  at  site  of  removed 
interim  ranger  residence). 

100  gal/day  (supply  at  Park  Office). 


250  gal/day  (supply  available  at 
Park  Office). 

2,250  gal/day  with  septic  system- 
sewer  for  washhouse,  and  electricity. 


Family  Picnic  Area 


Group  Picnic  Area 


Tent  &  Trailer 
Camping  Area 

Family  Primitive  Camps 
South  Side 
Swamp  Area 

Group  Primitive  Camps 
South  Side 
(one  camp) 

Swamp  Area 

Group  Tent  Camp 


PHASE  IV 

—  3,900  gal/day  (additional)  with  septic 
system-sewer  for  new  comfort 
station. 

—  2,880  gal/day  (additional)  with  septic 
system-sewer  for  new  comfort 
station. 

—  6,000  gal/day  (additional)  with  septic 
system-sewer  for  new  washhouse, 
and  electricity. 

—  300  gal/day  (new  well  on  site) 

—  200  gal/day  (new  well  on  site) 

—  250  gal/day  (share  well  with  south 
side  Family  Wilderness  Camp). 

—  250  gal/day  (new  well  on  site) 

—  2,250  gal/day  with  septic  system- 
sewer  for  washhouse,  and  electricity. 


39 


BIBLIOGRAPHY 


1.  Brown,  Philip  M.;  Geology  and  Ground-Water  Resources  in  the  Greenville 
Area,  North  Carolina;  North  Carolina  Division  of  Mineral  Resources;  Raleigh, 
North  Carolina,  1959. 

2.  Chadwick,  Nelson;  "Naturalist  Report;  Merchants  Millpond  August,  1975. 

3.  Costen,  Miss  Lucy  S.,  Gatesville,  North  Carolina,  correspondence  dated  Oc- 
tober 7,  1975,  regarding  historical  aspects. 

4.  Covington,  Joe  P.;  Edenton,  North  Carolina;  correspondence  dated  Septem- 
ber 16,  1975,  regarding  updated  soil  surveys. 

5.  Davis,  W.  A.,  and  Devereux,  R.  E.;  So/7  Survey  of  Gates  County,  North 
Carolina;  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture,  Bureau  of  Soils;  Washington,  D.  C, 
1929. 

6.  Department  of  Interior;  Outdoor  Recreation  Space  Standards;  Bureau  of  Out- 
door Recreation;  Washington,  D.  C;  April,  1967. 

7.  Fish,  Frederic  F.;  A  Catalog  of  the  Inland  Fishing  Waters  in  North  Carolina; 
North  Carolina  Wildlife  Resources  Commission;  Raleigh,  North  Carolina, 
1968. 

8.  "Fondest  Memories  Recalled",  Roanoke-Chowan  Biennial;  Thursday,  Sep- 
tember 27,  1973. 

9.  Hardy,  Albert  V.,  and  Hardy,  Jessie  D.;  Weather  and  Climate  in  North 
Carolina;  North  Carolina  State  University  Agricultural  Experiment  Station, 
Raleigh,  N.  C,  1971. 

10.  Harrel,  Issac  Samuel;  "Gates  County  to  1860",  Trinity  College  Historical 
Society  Annual  Publication;  Duke  University,  Vol.  XII,  Durham,  North 
Carolina,  1916. 

11.  Lawrence,  Watson;  Gatesville,  North  Carolina,  telephone  conversation  on 
September  25,  1975,  regarding  historical  aspects. 

12.  Marsh,  Chris;  Raleigh,  North  Carolina;  correspondence  dated  June  18,  1975, 
regarding  wildlife  studies. 

13.  North  Carolina  Department  of  Conservation  and  Development;  A  Region  in 
Transition:  The  General  Development  Plan  for  the  Albemarle  Area;  Division  of 
Community  Planning;  Washington,  North  Carolina,  1967. 

14.  North  Carolina  Recreation  Commission;  Carrying  Capacity  for  Outdoor 
Recreation  Facilities;  Department  of  Natural  and  Economic  Resources,  1968. 

15.  North  Carolina  Division  of  Resource  Planning  and  Evaluation,  Water 
Resource  Planning;  "Selected  Chowan  River  Basin  Data,"  (computer  prin- 
tout); Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  1975. 

16.  North  Carolina  Division  of  State  Parks;  "An  In-Depth  Study  of  Merchants  Mill- 
pond,  Gates  County,  North  Carolina";  August,  1972. 


17.  North  Carolina  Division  of  State  Parks;  Principles  Governing  the  Establish- 
ment, Extension  and  Development  of  the  State  Park  System  of  the  State  of 
North  Carolina;  Department  of  Conservation  and  Development,  January, 
1955. 

18.  North  Carolina  Wildlife  Resources  Commission;  1974-5  Hunting  and  Fishing 
Maps  for  North  Carolina  Gamelands;  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  1974. 

1 9.  Office  of  Recreation  Resources;  Summary  of  North  Carolina  Outdoor  Recrea- 
tion Plan;  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  May,  1974. 

20.  Office  of  State  Planning;  North  Carolina  Population  Count  and  Percent 
Change  by  Multi-County  Planning  Region;  U.  S.  Department  of  Commerce, 
Bureau  of  the  Census;  North  Carolina  Department  of  Administration,  1970. 

21 .  Powell,  William  Stevens;  North  Carolina  County  Histories,  North  Carolina  Divi- 
sion of  Archives  and  History,  1957. 

22.  Seiling,  Mrs.  Edith;  Gatesville,  North  Carolina,  telephone  conversation  on 
September  25,  1975,  regarding  historical  aspects. 

23.  Smith,  William  B.,  Survey  and  Classification  of  the  Chowan  River  and 
Tributaries,  North  Carolina;  North  Carolina  Wildlife  Resources  Commission, 
Raleigh,  North  Carolina;  1963. 

24.  Soil  Conservation  Services;  Guide  for  Interpreting  Soils;  Technical  Guide, 
Section  ll-B;  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture;  July,  1972  (Revised). 

25.  Tobaben,  Donald  J.;  Raleigh,  North  Carolina;  correspondence  dated  October 
6,  1975,  regarding  fishery  information. 

26.  U.  S.  Army  Corps  of  Engineers;  Wafer  Resources  Development  in  North 
Carolina;  Wilmington,  North  Carolina;  1973. 

27.  U.S. DA.,  Soil  Conservation  Service;  An  Appraisal  of  Potentials  for  Outdoor 
Recreation  Development  in  Gates  County,  North  Carolina;  Gates  Soil  and 
Water  Conservation  District,  Gatesville,  North  Carolina;  April,  1974. 

28.  U.S. DA.,  Soil  Conservation  Service;  An  Appraisal  of  Potentials  for  Outdoor 
Recreation  in  Hertford  County,  North  Carolina;  Hertford  Soil  and  Water  Con- 
servation District;  Winton,  North  Carolina;  September,  1974. 

29.  U.  S.  Department  of  Commerce;  "Climatological  Summary,  Elizabeth  City, 
North  Carolina;  National  Climatic  Center,  Asheville,  North  Carolina,  1974. 

30.  U.  S.  Department  of  Commerce;  "Local  Climatological  Data,  1974  Annual, 
Norfolk,  Virginia;"  National  Climatic  Center,  Asheville,  North  Carolina,  1974. 

31.  U.S.D.I.;  Water  Resources  Data  for  North  Carolina,  Part  I,  Surface  Water 
Records;  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  1974. 

32.  U.S.D.I.;  Water  Resources  Data  For  North  Carolina,  Part  II,  Water  Quality 
Records;  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  1974. 


40 


CREDITS 

Planning  Team: 

Edward  M.  Schweitzer,  Landscape  Architect 
J.  Stephen  Weaver,  Landscape  Architect 
Carolyn  Van  Hoy,  Drafting  Technician  II 
Alice  S.  Jones,  Clerk  Typist  III 
Supervisors 

Alan  R.  Eakes,  Chief  of  Planning 
Frederick  P.  Hagenberger,  Landscape  Architect 
Acknowledgements: 

James  S.  Stevens,  Jr.,  Director  of  Parks  and  Recreation 
Thomas  C.  Ellis,  Special  Assistant  to  the  Secretary, 
Department  of  Natural  Resources  and  Community 
Development. 
Thomas  R.  Wells,  Regional  Manager 
Cecil  C.  Frost,  Ranger-in-Charge,  Merchants  Millpond  State 

Park 
James  M.  Page,  NRCD  Photographer